Frequently Asked Questions

What is it like to stay in the teacher's home?
The homestay is an integral part of the experience at La Scuola Appia Vecchia. You will have the opportunity to use your new Italian language skills and apply them to activities of daily living. Professoressa Valentini and her husband, Joe Cerullo, are welcoming and gracious hosts. You will feel at home and at ease immediately. Your personal privacy will be scrupulously respected. Back to the top

What if Villa Valentini is already fully occupied by other students?
This rarely happens. There is a bed-and-breakfast nearby and the school will arrange accommodations there at no additional charge. Back to the top

How many students are enrolled for a typical session?
Professoressa Valentini does not wish to conduct large classes. An average number of students per session is 3 or 4, and almost never more than 6. Back to the top

I'm not too sure of my ability level. Which course is appropriate for me?
Leave this to Professoressa Valentini. Once you have made contact with her by telephone or email, she will advise you of your correct level.
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What is included in the course fee? Which expenses are my responsibility?
Please refer to the official website www.scuolaappiavecchia.com for the latest information. There are no hidden charges, such as an application fee, textbook rental, or student activity fee. You will need very little pocket money during your stay at the school. The school fee does not include your airfare or the cost of meals and lodging before and after the school session.
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The school is an immersion experience. Must I speak Italian exclusively?
No. Professoressa Valentini and her husband are very happy to speak as much or as little Italian outside the classroom as their students desire. Obviously, you will get more out of your school experience if you try to speak Italian as much of the time as you are able. At the end of a long day, though, it's nice to lapse back into your familiar native tongue for ease of conversation. To further put your mind at ease, the professoressa's English is superb and her husband was raised in Great Britain.
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How do I speak to former students to get their evaluation of the school?
Professoressa Valentini will be happy to provide you with the telephone numbers and/or email addresses of former students. Also, Friends of Scuola Appia Vecchia exists in large part to increase awareness of the school and serve as an information resource for prospective students. Any of us will be happy to speak with you and answer any questions.
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Is the teacher certified?
Yes, Professoressa Valentini has an advanced degree in the teaching of Italian to non-native speakers. Teaching is her profession. Please
see the biography section of this website and the official school website for particulars.
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Will I learn anything other than Italian language?
Yes, much more. Your immersion experience teaches a lot about day-to-day Italian life (you may not want to leave!). The afternoon excursions are highly informative as well as fun. It is possible to arrange some cooking lessons as part of your school session. For more advanced students, the school offers courses in Italian cinema.
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What is the school policy for refunds should I change my mind?
This question is one that Friends of Scuola Appia Vecchia cannot answer. Since neither our association nor its members have a role in the business of the school, any such inquiries should be made directly to Professoressa Valentini.
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What is the relationship of this website to the school itself?
This website was founded by a group of former students who seek to help promote the teaching mission of La Scuola Appia Vecchia. We want to spread the word, and hopefully inspire other lovers of Italian to share the wonderful experience we enjoyed at the school. There is no formal or informal financial arrangement between any of us in Friends of Scuola Appia Vecchia and the school itself or Professoressa Valentini. The school's official website is www.scuolaappiavecchia.com.
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May I sign up for courses through Friends of Scuola Appia Vecchia?
No, you must deal directly with La Scuola Appia Vecchia. Neither Friends of Scuola Appia Vecchia nor any of its members serves as an agent for the school.
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